The cost of train tickets for journeys across Britain is set to increase.

National Rail has announced that prices are set to go up by an average of 3.4 per cent - the biggest rise in five years.

The increase will come into effect in the new year, adding to Leeds commuters' January blues.

But National Rail chiefs say that although the price of some tickets will increase, many fares will stay the same - or even drop in price.

The increase covers 'regulated fares', including season tickets, off-peak return tickets on long distance journeys and anytime tickets around major cities.

Where does the money from my fare go?

National Rail

Mick Cash, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union described the move as a 'kick in the teeth' for passengers who will be left paying 'the highest fares in Europe to travel on rammed out, unreliable trains'.

He added: "For public sector workers and many others in our communities who have had their pay and benefits capped or frozen by this government these fare increases are another twist of the economic knife while the ‎private train companies are laughing all the way to the bank."